What if , after a deadly cyberwar eradicated technology as we live it today , humanity attempt to rebuild ourtech - obsess societythrough biologic means ? That ’s the fantast premiss of Comixology ’s latest original graphic novel — and io9 has an sole aspect in spite of appearance .

Written by Mark Sable and with artistic production from Kristian Donaldson , colors by Lee Loughridge , and letters from Thomas Mauer , The Dark is place in 2045 , on a post - war Earth where a devastating state of war has essentially eliminate all applied science . It ’s in reality exalt by a unretentive story Sable write for his employment as a futurist theorist for The Atlantic Council ’s artwork of The Future political platform , which gets creatives like writer and film directors to help the U.S. Military and Intelligence delegacy imagine thefuture of war .

https://gizmodo.com/how-the-military-could-turn-your-mind-into-the-next-bat-1673214050

Enter a strange new future with The Dark.

Enter a strange new future with The Dark.Image: Kristian Donaldson and Lee Loughridge (Comixology)

“ I ’m a writer and a futurist , and The Dark find like the climax of both careers , ” Sable said in a affirmation render to io9 . “ Most of my fervour comes from the work artist Kristian Donaldson has done literally bring in our vision of post - cyberpunk future to three - dimensional aliveness . I ’ve never go steady comic art like this before ! ”

Donaldson ’s approach to The Dark ’s design study does indeed have a bit of a tech - y twist : rather of traditional freestyle draftsmanship , digitally or otherwise , Donaldson ’s linework is really build off of 3D models , from a catalogue he has curated for year .

“ It ’s the equivalent of tear a film and having all your hardening make out , and all your worker in costume — every building , every elbow room , every electric chair , heavy weapon , car , and eggbeater has been sourced and build and put together to make ‘ shots ’ with a free photographic camera in virtual blank , ” Donaldson explained in a jam release . “ There have been other books using 3 - D but none quite like this by a single creative person . I set up a stable of 3 - D plus for over five days now before draw a exclusive pageboy . ”

Image: Kristian Donaldson and Lee Loughridge

The full cover for The Dark.Image: Kristian Donaldson and Lee Loughridge (Comixology)

“ I hope this book finds an audience with everyone in the creation , ” he added in a argument to io9 . “ I ca n’t wait to see it in draw view . Thanks to Ivan Salazar ! ”

As well as collaborating with Donaldson , Loughridge , and Mauer , Sable worked with consultant Mey Rude to help oneself evolve the book ’s main themes and leave quality : Master Sargeant Carver , a blinded soldier equip withbiotech eyestasked with a dangerous clandestine mission but especially for Camille , a trans , biopunk fugitive on the political campaign from Carver ’s masters .

“ It ’s been really grand working with Mark and Kristian on this book , ” Rude evidence io9 . “ Camille is a complicated and fun fiber who I intend a passel of lector , especially trans readers will enjoy and relate to . hacker and paper of bio - engine room have always been favorites of queer and trans hoi polloi and to see a trans char starring in a news report about that has been gravid ! I loved lick with Mark and Kristian on making sure Camille seems real and relatable but also has her own floor to differentiate . That ’s what I make out about her , she ’s obtain a hatful going on that trans reader will have a go at it , but also this is her tale , not a generic trans one . ”

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (left) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., holding a chainsaw in a photo posted to Kennedy’s X account on May 27. 2025.

https://gizmodo.com/charlie-jane-anders-and-annalee-newitz-on-creating-worl-1837631209

Having Camille ’s identity element as a trans woman was an important position Sable wanted to let in in a news report about transhumanism and the future at large . “ My hope is that readers will not just take account our near - next world - building , but be drawn in by the characters as well . While The Dark deals with topic of transhumanism , at the spunk it ’s a very human tale , ” Sable append . “ Master Sergeant Carver is a wounded cyber - warrior , forced to run runaway in fiat to keep the bio - mastermind implant the government gave him . Camille is that runaway , a trans biopunk who appears to have stolen data from the NSA ’s biocomputer . There ’s sight of military action , but Carver and Camille ’s kinship is what motor this unparalleled story . I ’m excite for the world to deal their triumphs and tragedies with us . ”

Check out a preview of The Dark below , making its entry here alone on io9 .

William Duplessie

Want to see more ? You wo n’t have to wait much longer — to celebrate the close at hand arrival of New York Comic Con , The Dark will be usable through Comixology — either to purchase or for devoid as part of Prime Reading , Kindle Unlimited , and Comixology Unlimited — start up October 2nd .

For more , ensure you ’re follow us on our new Instagram @io9dotcom .

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